Friday, June 17, 2011

Only one person at my old Company knew I blogged. It was the most wonderful IT Manager in the whole world, the esteemed JG. He somehow made the connection between my log-on password & this blog through a Google search & voila, my cover was blown! I never told my colleagues about The Hedge because I wasn't too sure how they'd take it, a dilemma many of you have blogged about over the years.

My first day at the new job last Monday required me to front up to a State Meeting with a room full of complete strangers. At the end of the Agenda, I was asked to introduce myself & tell everyone a little about myself. I quickly ran through my work history & achievements & then the Devil took control. I added 'On a personal note I'm the Mum of 5 sons, am in the midst of a total house renovation with MOTH, I love to write & oh, I blog.' Immediately the room was filled with twittering derisive laughter & loud sighs. Then comments like these came thick & fast - 'Oh God I can't understand why anyone would want to do that!', 'I couldn't think of a greater waste of time.' 'That's so gross!' - you get the drift. With that the group wandered off to lunch & not another thing was said.

So that's it, I'm out & despite all the negativity - I'M PROUD!!!! Nothing I've done in the past 10 years or so has given me so much personal satisfaction, pleasure & enjoyment as blogging has done. This is my 700th post & I'm almost disbelieving of Bloggers stats. Those 700 have gone in a flash & thank you to everyone who has so graciously & generously contributed to the 10,316 comments that sit here at The Hedge. Its the weekend, so go enjoy!

26 comments:

I think if one doesn't blog, one wouldn't know about the amazing friendships that have been formed by bloggers across the globe. The last laugh is actually on them, because with their narrow-minded focus, they don't even KNOW what they are missing out on. It is these friendships that are so special, because it opens our eyes to different ways of seeing the same things.

Have a wonderful weekend Millie and I hope you will be snuggled by a lovely fire somewhere!

If you could only see my face Millie!There's a little bemusement, a little astonishment and a lot happy.

The first because I don't understand why people would be so negative about such a positive activity, the second because I am so impressed that you've post 700 blogs!, the third because I'm so pleased to have discovered you and your delightful space.

Congratulations on all that you do to inspire and delight, amuse and inform and I hope that you continue to get as much pleasure from posting and interacting as I do from visiting your space.

Oh the negative ones, gotta love em. The have no idea poor things. They miss out on so much. My favourite from the negs is "i just wouldn't have time for that" to which I reply, "we all get 24 hours in a day, it's a choice really"Congratulations on your 700th post, that is some achievement. I hope it has given you much pleasure as you blog has been for me to read.Go Millie!

I so agree with Carolyn. If you did not blog, we would not know each other and C. would not have a Mum down under!Congratulations on 700, wow wee!!I bet curiosity will get the cat and your co workers will soon be peeking over the hedge. You and MOTH make it juicy ok!Love ya!Lisa

Congratulations on your 700th Blog , your Blog is a wonderful online Diary that you can look back on and remember fondly all those great memories that you shared with us keep up the fantastic work and we will all be here for the next 700. Have a lovely weekend Cheers from Jacki

I would hazard a guess that those nay-sayers are looking for your blog and once finding it are enjoying the read. Columbus would never have discovered America if he had listened to the negative masses. I love the inspiration I get from you and so many others in the blogging world. Well done on 700 - I look forward to the next 700.

I recently started following your blog, and find what have to say (and how you say it) very insightful and fun.

I cannot imagine what it'd be like to find yourself surrounded by such a close-minded, rude group of people. To be honest, I'm shocked by their response.

Clearly, after 700 posts you know that blogging is a good thing. And perhaps over time as you get to know these new co-workers better, you'll be able to show them how wrong they are to dismiss your passion so out of hand.

There must be a lot of misconception out there about blogging. Do they realise that you're not talking about a political, soap box kind of blog? Sometimes I wonder if that's what comes to mind when "blog" is mentioned. The blogging community we're a part of of is nothing but positive and inspiring. It's very special being a part of it..Rachaelxx

I can only imagine that the audience was filled with men, or computer illiterate people. Blogging has been the most creative and life enhancing experience that I have had in years. I tell people I blog, but I don't tell them my blogging identity - it allows more honesty!

700 !! Fantastic Millie, you're amazing. I was so sure you were going to say that they all came up to you after the meeting and asked how to start a blog - good for you for coming out of the blogging closet!!Have a great week in the new jobSharonx

Sniggering now, maybe. But I BET they'll be back trying to find out more about it soon. You are just one of those people who's naturally good at winning friends and influencing people. Well done you!!!!!'Now let's hear it out loud! 'I am what I am, I am my own special creation'LOLCongrats on 700 riveting, hilarious and immensely interesting posts. I can personally say you've saved me from dying of boredom over here in France so that's one life notched up on your belt for the betterxxx

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Life in the little village of Stirling in the hills above Adelaide in South Australia is just about as good as it gets! Enjoying a cool climate and 'hill-station' feel, Stirling is well-known for its 19th-century stone villas set on large grounds dense with roses, camellias, rhododendrons and huge old Oaks.

With 3 sons, 2 grandchildren & my work in a scientific business dominated by yes, more men, The Laurel Hedge was born out of my sheer desperation for something the boys just don't get & never will!

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'No matter what happens, somebody will find a way to take it all too seriously.'

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Mission Unbrown!

15 years of renovating was over - we'd just completed everything & were really enjoying our lovely old Victorian villa in the Eastern suburbs of Adelaide. However we'd always had a fondness for the country life & without warning we found ourselves transported by alien beings disguised as Real Estate Agents to a house on 1/2 acre of wild, rambling gardens in Stirling!

The house is circa 1972 & with all the 70's features. Open-faced brown brick walls, raked ceilings, exposed beams, split levels - totally yuk! However, it's inherent design is great & the location amazing - tucked behind a wonderful old laurel hedge in a quiet country lane in the heart of gorgeous Stirling.